Source: The News-Enterprise
Central Kentucky businessman John Knight is the newest member of the Hardin Memorial Health Foundation Board of Directors. Knight joins 23 regional leaders who steer the organization committed to strengthening the hospital.
“We are delighted to have John join our board,” said Joe Prather, who chairs the Foundation’s board, in a news release. “A successful, self-made business and community leader like John will add perspective and ideas that will make our foundation and, in turn, HMH stronger.”
Knight and his wife, Elaine, founded Knights Mechanical, which provides residential, commercial and industrial plumbing, HVAC and other services, in 1980 with a single truck and two employees. Today, the business operates in Elizabethtown and Glasgow, and employs more than 150 people.
Knight has earned state and national industry recognition, and he serves on industry boards. The Hardin County native also is a longtime youth sports referee and a member of the 5th Region Referee Hall of Fame.
Knight said serving on the foundation board is an honor given the legacy of the visionary leaders who established Hardin Memorial more than 60 years ago.
“We have to continue their work,” he said. “We have to help make HMH even stronger for the people of Central Kentucky.”
Knight added it was important to keep Hardin Memorial growing so people can receive the best care in “their own backyard.”
In just two years, the foundation has raised more than $1.8 million to pay for initiatives such as the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit and a state-of-the-art pediatric therapeutic playground housed at its Therapy and Sports Medicine Center on Ring Road.
Recently, the Foundation hosted a cancer awareness event that secured more than $12,000 for specialized cooling caps for cancer care patients.
Prather emphasized the foundation is just getting started, and he said Knight’s leadership will be invaluable.
“We have more we need to do to make sure HMH can provide the most advanced health care close to home,” Prather said. “I am excited about the future of our health care system, and I thank John for joining our effort.”
Prather emphasized that because the hospital pays all staff expenses for the foundation, 100 percent of the money it receives goes directly to Hardin Memorial projects.
“HMH is important to our local economy and the Foundation’s work is essential to keep HMH strong,” Knight said. “I’m proud to join this Board because I love this community.”
